Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPTEMBER 2024 Minutes

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 AT 6:00 P.M.

PAKI HALE MEETING ROOM (MAIN FLOOR) -- 3840 PAKI AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815

AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1jIOzxx1Zw

Google Drive Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_AoUIBy9_yH8zhAjkfPfySZbC88QnFnr?usp=drive_link

I. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:06]: Chair Welch called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Quorum WAS NOT established with 7 members present. Note -- This 15-member Board requires 8 members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Julia Allen, David Beutel, Dan Decker (arrived at 6:12 p.m.), Rafia Hasina, Alex Kahn, Angie Knight (arrived at 6:07 p.m.), Margaret Murchie, Laura St. Denis (arrived at 6:20 p.m.), Winston Welch, Dylan Whitsell, and Linda Wong (arrived at 6:45 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Michele David, Michelle Matson, Arleen Velasco, and Bruce Wong.

Guests: Lieutenant Dason Toma, Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Dean Carol Hoshiko (Kapiʻolani Community College); Director Roger Morton, Deputy Director Jon Nouchi (Department of Transportation Services); Director Anton Krucky (Mayor Blangiardi); Cyrus Howe, Saige Ranon (Hawaiʻi Green Growth); Aria Castillo (Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Actions); Ryan Aguilar (Governor Green); Representative Jackson Sayama (House District 21); Angie Chapman (Senator Chang); Amanda Zepeda (Council Chair Waters); Councilmember Calvin Say, Chassity Santiago, Janel Denny (Council District 5); Charlene Asato-Nitta, Cindy Sakai, Daisy Murai, Dean Hoe, Karen Awana, Noela Von Wiegandt, Travis Saito, Vernon Kim, June Ozaki, Juanita Liu, Tina Yamamoto, Wayne Swan, Lloyd Kandell, Grace Benson, Tsulan Kamakawiwoole, Leolani Iwaki, Edward Lum (Residents/Guests); Curtis Hayashi, Dylan Buck (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 57 total participants.

II. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:00:40]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:00:46]: No representative present. Should you have questions, please e-mail the HFD's Public Affairs & Media Liaison at HFDNHB@honolulu.gov.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QXcNcbRUEzSHvmTaR8cGxu9XFO2E9yDH/view?usp=sharing

• Website: https://fire.honolulu.gov/

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 -- [0:01:20]: Lieutenant Nishimura provided the report and highlighted the following:

• August 2024 Statistics: There were 20 motor vehicle thefts, 2 burglaries, 24 thefts, 10 unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV), and 6,553 calls for service. For more information, go to https://www.honolulupd.org/.

• Safety Tip: Flash Flood Preparedness -- A Flood Watch is issued when flooding is possible. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is happening or will happen soon. If you live near a flood zone, be prepared to evacuate with any items you need. Do not attempt to cross or drive through any flood or flooded area. Visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/dem/flood/ for more info.

• Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping/

Knight joined the meeting at 6:07 p.m.; 8 members present. Quorum was established.

III. ELECTION OF BOARD SECRETARY -- [0:03:22]: [0:03:28] -- Beutel self-nominated for Secretary.

[0:03:59] -- Welch nominated Hasina for Secretary and Hasina declined the nomination. Hearing no other nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Beutel was elected Secretary; 8-0 (Beutel: Allen, Beutel, Hasina, Kahn, Knight, Murchie, Welch, and Whitsell) -- [0:07:18].

IV. DISCUSS MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION & SCHEDULE -- [0:09:19]: The Board decided to keep the monthly meeting date, time, and location on the Second Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at Paki Hale. Chair Winston Welch said that Kapiʻolani Community College will be considered as a possible meeting location until the Board meets again at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse Ballroom.

Decker joined the meeting at 6:12 p.m.; 9 members present.

Chair Welch returned to the HPD District 6 report without objection.

II. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS (CONTINUED) -- [0:15:15]

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 -- [0:15:35]: Lieutenant Toma provided the report and highlighted the following:

• August 2024 Statistics: There were 9 robberies, 13 burglaries, 169 thefts, 18 unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV), 18 assaults, 6 sex crimes, 48 bicycles/skateboards on sidewalk citations, 36 speeding citations, 2,613 parking citations, 13 loud mufflers or prohibited noise citations, and 83 park closure citations and 5 park closure arrests. For more information, go to https://www.honolulupd.org/.

• Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:16:36]

St. Denis joined the meeting at 6:20 p.m.; 10 members present.

III. PUBLIC UTILITY & EVENT NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [0:21:45]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:21:52]: Kathleen Pahinui could not attend the meeting, so Chair Welch shared BWS announcements, including the BWS "Imagine a Day Without Water" event on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kapolei Regional Park, Diamond Head fencing project update, and BWS opting out of the PFAS settlement agreement for water utilities. To contact BWS with questions, please contact Kathleen Eliott-Pahinui at kelliott-pahinui@hbws.org.

• Inquiries on BWS Construction Projects: (808) 748-5319

• BWS Event: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R2h9K7jbxcHC6CdJK8bRmX9sAwx8XXLm/view?usp=sharing

• BWS Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VeEIVLMmwCzxRae74WcDe1F1oO2L9Zjf/view?usp=sharing

• BWS Website: https://boardofwatersupply.com/

Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) Updates -- [0:24:06]: Dean Carol Hoshiko provided the report and updates about the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, a new restaurant scheduled to open at KCC in March 2025, and community classes. You can email Dean Hoshiko at hoshiko@hawaii.edu or call (808) 734-9568.

• KCC Continuing Education (Community Classes): https://continuinged.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:26:20]

IV. COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [0:28:45]

Louise Dillingham Memorial Fountain -- [0:29:34]: Wayne Swan (President of Diamond Head Ambassador) asked about the operating status of the Dillingham Fountain at Kapiʻolani Regional Park.

Kulia Academy -- [0:30:03]: Director of Advancement Karen Awana shared updates about Kulia Academy, a public charter school in Kalihi focused on an artificial intelligence and data science curriculum, and they are accepting 6th grade and 7th grade student applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Visit https://kuliaacademy.org/ for more info.

Ala Wai Bridge Project (Ala Pono) -- [0:32:15]: Board Member Margaret Murchie said she got an invitation from Honolulu Complete Streets about an informational meeting about the Ala Wai Bridge Project (Ala Pono). Member Murchie noted that the Waikiki Neighborhood Board supported a "modest bridge" in 2016 and shared her concern about the current plan to spend $60 million on the new bridge. Member Murchie asked the City to make safety improvements in the area of the McCully Street Bridge where the bicycle lane ends on Ala Wai Boulevard.

Pedestrian Safety Speaker Event -- [0:34:42]: Board Chair Winston Welch shared information about the Pedestrian Safety Speaker event at the Blaisdell Center scheduled on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. presented by Honolulu Complete Streets and sponsored by Ulupono Initiative. Visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/completestreets/ for more information and you can get tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-pedestrian-crisis-in-america-why-its-happening-with-author-angie-schmitt-tickets-1003239705967.

Traffic-Related Projects in the Diamond Head-Kapahulu Area -- [0:35:43]: Resident Daisy Murai mentioned that according to Daniel Alexander (Department of Transportation Services -- DTS), there are plans to install raised crosswalks or other implements on Kapahulu Avenue at Mokihana Street, Herbert Street, and Kanaʻina Avenue. Murai requested DTS to attend a future Diamond Head Neighborhood Board meeting to inform the community of traffic-related projects in the area.

Linda Wong joined the meeting at 6:45 p.m.; 11 members present.

Alohea Avenue Concerns -- [0:35:43, 0:35:43, 0:47:49, 0:51:08, 0:55:08, 1:02:09, 1:05:08, 1:07:05, 1:10:52, 1:18:20, 1:19:24, 1:22:37]: Juanita Liu, Lloyd Kandell, Tsulan Kamakawiwoole, Leolani Iwaki, Grace Benson, Vernon Kim, Charlene Asato-Nitta, Daisy Murai, Cindy Sakai (Residents), Rafia Hasina, Winston Welch, and Linda Wong (Members) raised various concerns regarding the new bus route affecting Alohea Avenue and nearby roadways. These concerns included: lack of crosswalks, lack of road surface markings, limited visibility, pedestrian safety, speeding, street parking, and potential for property damage.

Webex Meeting Access -- [1:26:21]: Member Linda Wong said that her and another board member use Apple Mac machines and they cannot get on the Board's Webex meeting. Member Wong requested help with this matter.

Half-Million-Dollar Beach Shower at Kaimana Beach -- [1:27:45]: Chair Winston Welch found it shocking that the fountain at Kaimana Beach cost almost $500,000. Member Wong mentioned the following Civil Beat article: https://www.civilbeat.org/2024/09/its-not-just-you-city-knows-its-new-half-million-dollar-beach-shower-isnt-working-right/.

V. MAYOR RICK BLANGIARDI'S REPORT -- [1:29:20]: The Mayor's Representative, Department of Community Services (DCS) Director Anton Krucky, was present in person along with Honolulu Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Roger Morton and Deputy Director Jon Nouchi. Director Krucky provided the report and highlighted the following: Mayor's monthly newsletter; information on Honolulu Fire Department requests; new diesel-powered refuse collection trucks and a pilot evaluation of electric collection trucks; and Kaimana Beach shower improvement project updates.

• Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Residents can submit requests for information at: https://fire.honolulu.gov/requests-for-information/. They can search for fire incidents and learn more about them at http://www.responsemapping.com/ (or http://www.responsemapping.com/map.aspx?aid=2d8b134f-7c9f-4f42-8ef7-424c4cfe3ae5).

• TheBus: Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Morton and Deputy Director Nouchi explained to the community that DTS conducted a bus route study and community outreach before TheBus Route 200 began operating on Alohea Avenue in August 2024. The route intends to serve residents and students who attend Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC). Also, neither DTS nor Oahu Transit Services, Inc., the City's bus management services contractor, are aware of any reports of bus passengers becoming ill from carbon-monoxide or carbon-dioxide poisoning. We ask that the questioner provide DTS with follow-up contact information so we can get additional details such as what date this allegedly occurred and which route was affected. You can contact DTS at thebusstop@honolulu.gov or call (808) 768-8396.

• Ala Wai Bridge Project (Ala Pono): DTS extended the consultation process and an additional comment period on the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Ala Wai Bridge Project (Ala Pono). As a result of feedback and community concerns, DTS shifted to a design-build procurement. A determination of whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required to supplement the draft EA will be made after review of the draft EA by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA). DTS will update the community about these matters at future meetings.

• Newsletter: https://www8.honolulu.gov/mayor/newsletter/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:41:21]

VI. PRESENTATIONS -- [2:21:35]

Distributed Green Stormwater Infrastructure in the Ala Wai Watershed -- Cyrus Howe, Hawaiʻi Green Growth -- [2:21:40]: Cyrus Howe and Saige Ranon shared information about Hawaiʻi Green Growth's Ala Wai Watershed project encouraging residents to invest in green stormwater infrastructure, including rainwater catchment systems and rain gardens. They offered a free rainwater assessment for residents in the Diamond Head, Kapahulu, and St. Louis Heights area, including apartment and condo residents. Please contact rainwater@hawaiigreengrowth.org if none of the listed dates/times work for your schedule and they will try our best to accommodate you.

• Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rFFT5njhUh_NDYF6AkeEW3huuFyUX5s8/view?usp=sharing

• Free Rainwater Assessment: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/AcZssZ2fMWvZ68O86o6yKsDxmJtgDodeDweaFG6Ly_0=

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:26:52]

VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS (IF ANY) -- [2:33:45]

Environment -- Velasco -- [2:33:45]: No report.

Parks & Recreation -- Murchie & Decker -- [2:33:45]: No report.

Planning & Zoning -- Matson -- [2:33:45]: No report.

Traffic & Public Safety -- Murchie -- [2:33:45]: No report.

Whitsell left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.; 10 members present. Whitsell joined the meeting at 8:26 p.m.; 11 members present. Whitsell left the meeting at 8:44 p.m.; 10 members present.

VIII. RESOLUTIONS FOR BOARD ACTION -- [2:33:55]

Resolution Urging Legislature to Adopt Good-Government Reforms -- [2:35:04]: Chair Welch allowed Aria Castillo (Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Actions) to introduce the proposed resolution. [2:42:49] -- Murchie MOVED and Knight SECONDED to amend the resolution by adding the following text: Bills introduced by request must include disclosure of who made the request. Following Board discussion, the motion WAS NOT ADOPTED; 7-1-2 (Aye: Beutel, Decker, Hasina, Kahn, Murchie, Welch, L. Wong; Nay: Allen; Abstain: Knight, St. Denis) -- [2:48:19]. [2:50:20] -- Beutel MOVED and L. Wong SECONDED to adopt the original resolution as drafted. Following Board discussion, the motion WAS NOT ADOPTED; 7-2-1 (Aye: Beutel, Decker, Hasina, Kahn, Murchie, Welch, L. Wong; Nay: Allen, Knight; Abstain: St. Denis) -- [2:50:52].

• Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-YLEpIQjO0mAU4vc8nrY3f32NA5Oxnro/view?usp=sharing

IX. ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS -- [2:52:30]

U.S. Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [2:52:48]: No representative present.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bYylh0inuFNlQTFIGe4iQxV2KbAcZT5a/view?usp=sharing

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono's Representative -- [2:52:48]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz's Representative -- [2:52:48]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:52:52]: Ryan Aguilar provided the report and answered a question from the previous meeting regarding Senate Bill 3202 about supporting housing density in appropriate locations and allows the counties to regulate development based on local conditions like infrastructure or hazard zones.

Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ke-Ala-Hou-Newsletter-September-2024-v4-FINAL.pdf

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. (Senate District 10) -- [2:55:05]: No representative present.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (House District 19) -- [2:55:05]: No representative present.

Representative Jackson Sayama (House District 20) -- [2:55:05]: No representative present.

Senator Stanley Chang -- [2:55:18]: Angie Chapman provided the report and invited residents to sign up for Senator Chang's monthly newsletter and housing newsletter. Registration is open for the 2024 Children and Youth Summit scheduled on Thursday, October 10, 2024 (https://www.hawaiicys.org/). You can add your Driver's License or State ID to your iPhone mobile wallet (https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2024/08/28/hawai%CA%BBi-issued-real-ids-can-be-added-to-apple-wallet-beginning-august-28/#:~:text=To%20add%20a%20Hawai%CA%BBi%20driver's,set%2Dup%20and%20verification%20process).

• Newsletter: https://www.senatorchang.com/newsletters

• Housing Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gRI0jf

Decker left the meeting at 8:55 p.m.; 9 members present.

Council Chair Tommy Waters (Council District 4) -- [2:57:00]: Amanda Zepeda provided the report and highlighted the Monday, September 30, 2024 deadline for Real Property Tax Home Exemptions (NO EXCEPTIONS) APPLY NOW: https://realproperty.honolulu.gov/exemption/file-exemption/.

• Chair Waters: tommy.waters@honolulu.gov or (808) 768-5004

• Amanda Zepeda (Constituent Services): amanda.zepeda@honolulu.gov or (808) 768-5043

• Webpage: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district4

• September Newsletter: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6098c5bb75e480679bd2fab3/t/66e0c5f70d50331a86a13d1e/1726006794200/SEPTEMBER+2024+D4+Newsletter_v1.pdf

Councilmember Calvin Say (Council District 5): Chassity Santiago provided the newsletter. Postponed.

• Newsletter: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6098c5bb75e480679bd2fab3/t/66d7c3cf63fe5952733685fc/1725416413147/September+2024+Newsletter.pdf

X. BOARD BUSINESS

a. Subdistrict Reports: Postponed due to lack of time.

i. St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 -- J. Allen

ii. Kapahulu Subdistrict 2

iii. Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 -- L. Wong

b. Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes: Postponed due to lack of time.

i. Thursday, April 11, 2024

ii. Thursday, May 9, 2024

iii. Thursday, June 13, 2024

iv. Thursday, July 11, 2024

v. Thursday, August 8, 2024

XI. REPORTS OF BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDING OTHER BOARD AND PUBLIC MEETINGS: Postponed.

XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:58:18]

Next Meeting: The next Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Paki Hale and online via Webex.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:58:27]: The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by: Curtis Hayashi, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO

Finalized by: